Red Bull Racing has announced the immediate departure of long-serving team principal Christian Horner after 20 years at the helm. The move marks the end of an era during which the Austrian team captured eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ titles under his leadership.
Horner, who had been contracted through 2030, oversaw Red Bull’s most successful periods in Formula 1, guiding Sebastian Vettel to four consecutive titles between 2010 and 2013 and later leading Max Verstappen to four straight drivers’ championships from 2021 to 2024. Red Bull also claimed constructors’ titles in 2022 and 2023 during his tenure.
In total, Red Bull earned 124 Grand Prix wins, 107 pole positions, and 287 podium finishes under Horner. His final race as team principal came at the British Grand Prix, where Verstappen finished in fifth place.
Red Bull confirmed Laurent Mekies, previously team boss at Racing Bulls, as Horner’s successor. Alan Permane will take over Mekies’ former role. The leadership shake-up follows a period of high-profile departures from Red Bull, including Adrian Newey, Jonathan Wheatley, and Sergio Pérez, which have coincided with recent struggles on track.
